Goat Cheese Quesadilla with Guacamole and Pico De Gallo

Prepare the Pico de Gallo, and set aside.

Prepare the Guacamole, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and set aside.

Combine the goat cheese, shallots, garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and oil in a bowl. Mix with a large spoon until thoroughly blended.

Spread 1/2 teaspoon of the butter on 1 side of each of the 8 tortillas and turn them over.

Spread one-quarter of the goat cheese mixture on the unbuttered side of each of 4 tortillas. Cover the cheese with another tortilla, buttered side up, sandwich style. Press together lightly, taking care not to squeeze out any of the goat cheese filling.

Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, cook a quesadilla, turning it 3 times, until golden brown and crisp on both sides, for about 4 minutes in all. Repeat the procedure with the remaining quesadillas, keeping those that are finished warm until theyíre ready.

To serve, cut each quesadilla into 4 wedges, and arrange on a dinner plate. Place 1/4 cup of the Guacamole in the center, and drizzle 1/2 cup of the Pico di Gallo over the Guacamole and between the quesadilla wedges.

Yield : 4 first-course servings